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Resume page layout, templates, format, samples

Page layout basics:

Page margins of 1/2 to 1 inch on all sides generally look
fine.

Font size: Except for your name, which can be larger, font sizes of 10,
11 or 12 generally look fine. Note that font sizes are not the same in each font style (e.g. Arial 12 is much larger than Times 12). If you have trouble getting your content
on one page, try a slightly smaller font style or size. Sometimes you can enter a half-size, such as 10.5, 11.5, etc.

Spacing: Single spacing usually works best, with a blank line between each section of content. If you need to change your spacing in your version of Word and can't find how to do that, use the "Help" function in Word.

Simple technique for content layout of your resume: create a table; one column for
headings; another column for content; one row for each heading
section. Before you finalize, set borders to "none" so they don't appear on your document. With
table format, it's easy to resize and realign your content as you revise
your resume (avoids tabbing and tedious, less effective spacing to align content). Use the "Help" function in
Word if you need it.

Templates:

Use Microsoft
Word. Be extremely cautious if you select a resume template. Many are too complicated in layout, have excessive shading or other formatting features that are not recommended.

A risk with a template is choosing one with categories and headings that do not suit your
background or best present your qualifications for the positions you are seeking (and are sometimes tricky to modify).

Content format:

Chronological
format and variations:

The most
common resume format is called "chronological." Within each section (education,
experience, etc.) you list your entries in reverse chronological
order = most recent items first. This is a good way to start a
draft of your resume. Most of the samples are variations on the chronological format.
You may also hear the terms "functional" or "creative" used to describe
resumes. These are just variations on the chronological format that
use headings that best showcase your background and qualifications.

Skills format

A skills
resume combines the skills you have from a variety of experiences
 paid work, volunteer work, student activities, classroom work,
projects, you name it  and groups these skills by category that relate to the kind of job you're seeking. This format works
best when a traditional resume just doesn't work to make you look
like a good candidate even though you have relevant skills. But use caution: many employers don't favor skills-format resumes. A Career
Services advisor can look at your first resume draft and help you
decide if a skills format might be the best approach to use.

DON'T choose
a resume style simply because the fictional student in a sample
has your major. Major doesn't dictate the style of your resume; use the style that best showcases your qualifications which are not limited to major.

You may choose
any style regardless of the type of employment you are seeking,
whether internship, co-op, or permanent employment.

DO choose
a format which best shows how your individual credentials support
your objective.

If you are
unsure, DO start with a chronological style (the most traditional),
have your resume reviewed, and revise your resume as needed.

Do I need a scannable resume?

Samples:

Name
(Fictional)

Features
All are ONE PAGE unless otherwise noted.

View

1

Silva

B.S. in progress.
Freshman student seeking 3-term co-op.
Availability indicated because co-op work term availability varies by student and when you need to be in school for courses.
Doesn't yet have career-related experience.

B.A. in progress.
Sophomore level student seeking summer job/internship.
Has experience, volunteer work and student leadership related to career field of interest; these are detailed.
"Other" experience section; one line per job; detail not needed.
Arial 11 font.

Federal government resume style.
B.S. degree in progress; junior academic level.
Seeking internship.
More than one page to accomodate federal government resume preferences.
See more about
federal job search
Times New Roman 12 font.

B.S. almost completed; seeking job at graduation.
Coursework to show specialty and focus (not basic courses taken by anyone in the same major)
Extensive skills section related to career field.
Arial 10 font.

Bachelor's degree, seeking job at graduation.
Completing degree in August (indicate your real completion month/year, not when you "walk")
Goes by middle-name/nickname; shown in heading.
Course project detailed.
GPA shown to 100th decimal place because close to next 10th decimal place; rounding up would be inaccurate and could appear dishonest.
Traditional font choice: Times New Roman 11.

Skills resume. Summarizes skills from a variety of sources: work, class projects, student activities. Seek advice if you take this approach; some employers do not favor skills resumes; but these can be effective tools for some job seekers.
Garamond 11.5 font.